Archive for August, 2010

After sold-out performances at the Kennedy Center in February, 2009, and successful showings in August 2009 and January 2010,  Shen Yun Performing Arts returns to Washington DC in August to present the most celebrated programs from their global tours of the past four years.

Emmy and Academy Award winner Robert Stromberg, the production designer for Avatar and Alice in Wonderland, was one of the celebrities who watched the SHEN YUN show in Los Angeles last May.

“It’s absolutely beautiful…It was so inspiring, I think I may have found some new ideas for the next Avatar.”

“It was a very unique performance. It was tremendous to see the wide range of different types of performance art come together as one. It’s really beautiful to see that as one single performance,” he said.

As a highly accomplished visual artist, Mr. Stromberg praised “the color, the lights, and the movement.” “The performers were fantastic! I thought it was wonderful,” he added.

A program featuring traditional Chinese culture as it was meant to be–a brilliant blend of beauty, energy, and grace. Dozens of dancers in dazzling costumes move in seamless, flowing patterns; A Live Orchestra and performers whose thunderous drums shake the stage while spectacular backdrops transport you to another world.  See ancient legends of virtue brought to life alongside modern tales of courage.  Hear soaring songs by masterful vocalists that will move and inspire.  Experience a sense of beauty and enchantment like no other with this unique, thrilling, and unforgettable show.

Shen Yun Performing Arts is built upon a vision of rediscovering, and founding anew, humanity’s true cultural heritage. It performs works that center upon the divinely-inspired, cultural heritage of humankind and demands of itself that its performances present works of consummate beauty and goodness. Shen Yun Performing Arts is a unique group of leading artists who share in a vision of cultural renewal. The company is a triumph of collaboration, bringing together over a hundred of the world’s foremost classically trained Chinese dancers, choreographers, musicians, and vocalists. It also boasts the world’s only full orchestra that embraces both Western and Chinese instruments as its permanent members.

The company aspires to create original performances that not only entertain, but also more deeply educate, enrich, and inspire. The company’s rich repertory is drawn from the pages of history, universal themes, and the world around us. All choreography, costume and music performed are original.

Performance Schedule: August 25-29, 1:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Tickets from $79 to $150 are available via the Kennedy Center box office, (202) 467-4600; online www.kennedy-center.org.

Article Written by The HenYen and Company Marketing Department

Champions even in defeat!

By Tammy Bowers

Howard County Youth Program (HCYP) held their championship baseball game on June 26th.  With the Orange team entering the championship round undefeated, and the Black team having one loss in the double elimination competition, the stage could not have been set more perfectly for an exciting day for everyone.  The game started at 10:00 a.m. but then became a double header with extra innings in both games, when the Black team took round one in a barn burner.

The teams were very well matched for an exciting championship game.  From beginning to end this amazing group of young men, coaches and Umpires all performed in extraordinary fashion under high heat, high humidity and high pressure.

In game one the Orange team got off to a flying start scoring two runs in the top of the first inning.  In the bottom of the third Kenyon Pinnock go the Black team on the board by stealing home plate.  The score remained 2-1 until the seventh inning when a pair of doubles broke things open to a 4-1 advantage.  But, the Black team was not done.  Aided by a few walks and a couple singles, they made the most of their turn in the seventh inning, tieing the score at 4-4 and sending the game into extra innings.

In the bottom of the eight inning the Black team wasted no time putting the contest into the win column via a couple of doubles, the last of which by Ben Tucker accounting for the winning run.

The win by the Black team set up a late afternoon showdown that started much the way the first one did.  With the Orange again breaking out on top with two runs in the top of the first, the Black team this time pulled in closer with a run in their half of the first inning.

After adding a run in the top of the third to take the score to 3-1 in its favor the Orange team was met with a barrage started by a Tyler Palmer 3 run homer which gave the Black team the advantage.  The Black team added two more runs before the inning was over stretching their lead to 6-3.

After adding an additional run to make things 7-3 in their favor the Orange team returned the favor with a barrage of their own which included a 3 run homer by Greg Jacobs.  The Orange added another run in the top of the seventh to again send the game into extra innings.

The whole affair came to an end in favor of the Orange team when their 1 run eighth went unmatched by the Black team in their half of the inning.  “This is more exciting than watching the O’s play and these boys have talent, some even play as well as any college level team”, commented one father in attendance.

Family & friends were treated to one of the most exciting contest you could have asked for.  Both teams had extraordinary player’s ages 15 years through 18 years.  Several of these players have had the good fortune to have played within the HCYP program since they were 5 years old.

As a parent I was very proud of my son, Zach and his team, though they lost, they played with pride, respect, a little humor and are still part of a winning team because they all supported each other and came together as a team as they have all season!

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Tammy Bowers is a marketing advisor and principle with Rolling Ads of Maryland.  Tammy is also a Charter Member of the Village Connector Online Community Newspaper and a member of our advisory board.

Courtesy of Chrystopher Robinson http://www.chrystopher.com.

What an incredible night had by all attending the 4th Columbia Networking for a Cure, a Happy Hour held on June 30th at Sonoma Bar and Grill – Owen Brown Village Center in Columbia. There was plenty of incredible food, ½ price appetizers and drinks till 7 PM and then raffle prizes too…let’s not forget about all the great energy, excitement, and enthusium to be networking and the weather cooperated too!  So whether you chose to be inside or out there were many friendly faces and businesses to meet and greet!

No worries, if you missed this one, there will be another one and soon one every month at Sonoma’s as well as various other locations in and round the beltway.  If you are unfamiliar, The Networking for a Cure Happy Hours was formulated by AJ and Jane Ali to help bridge the gap in a fun way building network in association with Marathon of Miracles a non-profit who is a Cancer outreach and wellness organization offering hope for the mind, body and spirit by inspiring, educating and empowering survivors and others that wish to thrive.

Courtesy of Chrystopher Robinson http://www.chrystopher.com.

MOM’s vision is to create and maintain world-class resources to help cancer survivors and help eradicate cancer through wellness and cancer prevention education. By having these event, it will enlighten, educate and encourages the community, us about the Hope in the fight against and by participating you will leave each event stimulated by incredible conversations having the opportunity to meet businesses that are all about community activism, encouraged by learning more about health & wellness as well as cancer prevention in the workplace.

So hope to see you at the next Networking for Cure…join on Facebook.  Chrystopher Robinson took many pictures for you to see for yourself, if you need a good photographer, I highly recommend him and you can reach him at http://www.chrystopher.com.

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Tammy Bowers is a marketing advisor and principle with Rolling Ads of Maryland.  Tammy is also a Charter Member of the Village Connector Online Community Newspaper and a member of our advisory board.

There are so many great nonprofits.  One nonprofit that is assisting so many seniors is the Alzheimer’s Organization.  Alzheimer Disease strikes a great many of elderly men and women.   Much research is still being done to help with quality of life for those stricken with this disease.  There are some individuals that have chosen this nonprofit on a personal quest for a family member.

One such person is Allen Kampf.  Allen says, “This is very meaningful to me. Since my mother has been diagnosed (with Alzheimer’s), I’ve been involved being a caretaker and reviewing nursing homes. Now, I’m on a mission to make people aware of this is a devastating disease. This would be a good way to get the word out.”

On October 16, 2010,  there will be a Baltimore Marathon raising awareness to Alzheimer Disease. Allen will be running the marathon as part of the Alzheimer’s Association’s team “ALZ Stars” prior to the event. It is a cause he is dedicated to, because of his experience with his mother.

“My mother is 85 years old. She is a Holocaust survivor, living in Wellington, Florida. My mother was and still is physically healthy,” he said, beginning his story. “In April of 2007, we — my sister and I — noticed my mother’s behavior was a little different.  My mother is an immaculate dresser, she always went to the beauty parlor, and her house is always clean. We noticed she wasn’t going to beauty parlor, the house wasn’t clean, and that she often had stains on her clothes.  We took her to the neurologist. We had to keep telling her ‘You’re not crazy, it’s just part of getting older, and we just need to make sure you’re fine.’ Anyway, we did that, and then she was diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease.” – Allen shared his story with us.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association website, (http://www.alz.org) as many as 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s destroys brain cells, causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life. Alzheimer’s gets worse over time, and it is fatal. Today it is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.

In fundraising for the event, Allen said he has come in contact with many neighbors and friends who know someone who has been affected by Alzheimer’s. “It’s all about making people aware of Alzheimer’s disease and raising money for the association.”  Let’s become a team…make a donation to ALZ Stars. Send checks, made payable to the Alzheimer’s Association, to Jessica Suriano, 1850 York Road, Suite D, and Timonium, MD 21093.  Thank you for helping to bring a future free of Alzheimer’s Disease!

Tammy Bowers is the Co-Owner of Rolling Ads of Maryland, a unique branding company offering a networking Concierge Service as well as an Outdoor Mobile Billboard Advertising Vehicle.  She is also a Charter Member with the Village Connector Online Community Newspaper. You can reach Tammy via email at Tammy@rollingadsmd.com

A monthly MOM’s networking event held at today La Madeleine Restaurant in Columbia, Maryland. Many women in various businesses attended.  Some of the various businesses represented were in industries such as Insurance, Accountants, Investors, Organizers, Florist, Virtual Assistants, Home Décor, Embroider, Eco-Friendly and Essential Oils, a Life Coach, a local Children’s Party Facility, Mobile Advertising, Inspirational Products and many more.

Once a month a new member is showcased.  This month it was Debbie Reid, the owner and operator of a new company called “Let Deb do it”.  She focuses on educating the public and individuals, as well as hosting workshops in Couponing.  Debbie’s program is unique in that it can help you drastically reduce your budget on groceries, household and personal care shopping expenses by using her program.

She will teach you how with tips, experience and websites she has used and her years of experience.  It was so intriguing, that I want to host an event with her as well as Organizing Company and Organizing Product Company in the Collaborative package.  I want to share her information with all, so please contact me!

Tammy Bowers is the Co-Owner of Rolling Ads of Maryland, a unique branding company offering a networking Concierge Service as well as an Outdoor Mobile Billboard Advertising Vehicle.  She is also a Charter Member with the Village Connector Online Community Newspaper. You can reach Tammy  via email at Tammy@rollingadsmd.com.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like not to worry about your business?  To feel so confident that you could go away on vacation?  What if you are having work done at your home, but you have to work and need someone to be there for the contractor?  Maybe you just need someone to be there to accept a delivery?

Lonnie Wornom has developed, to perfection, a solution to these challenges through her company, There for YOU.

She is partnering with contractors, realtors, busy families and more.  She wants to be the service that is partnering with your contractor for you.  There for You will provide services that are seamless. Her company will provide you with reassurance, professionalism, commitment, and honesty.I will be happy to make the introductions just give me a call or email me about There For YOU. They have got the key to your next challenge. I believe this is an awesome concept!
Tammy Bowers is the Co-Owner of Rolling Ads of Maryland, a unique branding company offering a networking Concierge Service as well as an Outdoor Mobile Billboard Advertising Vehicle.  She is also a Charter Member with the Village Connector Online Community Newspaper. You can reach  via email at Tammy@rollingadsmd.com

As an alternative animal wellness service provider, my path leads to new experiences all the time. I never know who I am going to meet or where the path will take me. Recently my journey landed me in a place where gentle giants dwell.

You would never know the place existed unless you were looking for it. Driving down the driveway to the barn is like walking into an enchanted forest with draft horses all around you, whinnying to announce your arrival to a very special and healing place.  I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the other welcoming committee to the barn that include three Aussie’s who insist anyone visiting must be visiting them and not the horses.

Located in Mt Airy, Maryland, is a place called Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue.  They are a nonprofit organization that is fully committed to saving draft horses from slaughter, rehabilitating them and adopting them into new homes as either trail or schooling horses.  The founder of Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue is Christine Hajek. She is passionate about the horses and the mission she has with them and I can see why, as these guys are just magnificent!

There is something about a draft horse that conjures up all sorts of images and history. They are truly giants in the horse world standing anywhere from 16 to 18 plus hands high. The most recognizable draft horse is the
Clydesdale, but there are also the Belgians and Percheron’s that folks might be familiar with also. These are the true work horses, seeing one of these horses you can instantly imagine being back in Medieval times riding one of these horses into battle.  Many of the draft horses today are used by police departments because of their size and temperament.

As an Animal Communicator I had the opportunity to go out and talk with some of the horses there and I fell in love, not only with the horses but with the people and the volunteers there. These folks are deeply committed to the rescue and the horses that are there. All of the horses are rescued from auctions where the rescue becomes their last chance at life before being sold off to slaughter. Unfortunately HR 503, a bill designed to ban slaughter in the US was in passed in the House but died when it was not voted upon in the Senate. Over breeding is the heart of the issue, and having slaughter as an easy out only encourages that behavior. The horses’ chosen by Gentle Giants Rescue at auction/slaughter is based on their temperament, soundness, and the ability to be of use.

There has always been an attraction for me with the draft horse so when I connected with the Gentle Giant Draft Horse Rescue I wanted to help in any way I could. Just like any other rescue organization they are always in need of many things. By visiting their website you can find their “wish list” along with information on how to volunteer, items they are in need of and of course financial donations. Please note that 100% of all funds donated will go directly to the purchase of a draft horse straight from the kill pen! The smallest contribution can be the difference between life and death for one of these gentle giants. With a donation they will also send along a photo of the horse you helped save. www.gentlegiantsdrafthorserescue.com

For the community, they provide an excellent place to take riding lessons while helping to support the rescue.  The lessons are inexpensive and given by two exceptional instructors. Each lesson is designed to fit the student’s specific needs and also their personal goals in riding.  They also provide educational information about the plight of all horses, but specifically draft horses, when it comes to slaughter and also about PMU horses. For me, to walk among these giants who have suffered through so much, whether it is neglect, abuse or just nowhere else to go was and is humbling. I would encourage folks in the area to get involved with this wonderful organization if you are called to do so. The rewards are many all the way around. Check out their News and Events page to see where they will be next.

Standing in the presence of these gentle giants will put you in awe of their beauty, strength and their willingness to still believe in love!

Tammy Bowers is the Co-Owner of Rolling Ads of Maryland, a unique branding company offering a networking Concierge Service as well as an Outdoor Mobile Billboard Advertising Vehicle.  She is also a Charter Member with the Village Connector Online Community Newspaper. You can reach  via email at Tammy@rollingadsmd.com

Bare Bones Grill and Brewery in Ellicott City are proud to be hosting local talents every weekend.  Hot Rods, a talent recently featured, is an awesome band that often teams up with the Andy Poxon bands to offer you an amazing, energetic performance.  The dual performance has become such a hit that their scheduled performances at Bare Bones Restaurant will leave you scurrying to find a seat.  Loyal fans of the duo pack in, anxiously awaiting and anticipating a fun night of rockin’ blues, roots rock and country.  Fans are treated with four of the area’s top hot-shot guitarists and three lead vocalists.

The newest member, a slide guitarist, Lisa Lim, is incredible with the guitar – definitely worthy of a standing ovation.  You will also be delighted to hear Tom Maxwell, Andy Poxon and Zach Sweeney on guitars, as well as Mikey O’Donnell on drums.  The band also has two young, up-and-coming members.  Tom is a 19 year old guitarist/singer with a mature Jimmy Vaughn-like approach to the guitar. The band also features Andy Poxon, 15-year-old phenomena who plays guitar and does vocals.  Maryland/DC/Virginia. When Andy was 9 years old, he saw B.B. King and Joe Bonamassa  and instantly fell in love with the blues.  Andy also won the August 2009 Youth Arts Forum contest.  Members Russ Wasson on bass and Mike O’Donnell on drums completes the band.

These bands have been together since May 2009, and play regularly in various live music venues around Maryland/DC/Virginia.  There you have it ladies and gentleman,  your personal introduction to the band.  Don’t miss their next performance!  Find out when they’re next scheduled to perform at the Bare Bones Grill and Restaurant web page, http://www.barebonesgrill.com/maryland/index.php.

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Tammy Bowers is the Co-Owner of Rolling Ads of Maryland, a unique branding company offering a networking Concierge Service as well as an Outdoor Mobile Billboard Advertising Vehicle.  She is also a Charter Member with the Village Connector Online Community Newspaper. You can reach  via email at Tammy@rollingadsmd.com.

The path from grief to giving is a narrow, winding and bumpy road that most people would avoid if given the option.  However, there is a woman in our community who navigates this road and who is attempting to widen, straighten and smooth the passageway for those who come after her.  For Portia A. Scott of Laurel, MD, life hasn’t been the same since the sudden and unexpected death of her only child on Father’s Day morning in 2007.  Nicole Lynette Scott Lee, a 35-year old wife, mother of two little girls (now aged 6 and 4), and a successful account executive with Black Enterprise Magazine at the time of her death, was Ms. Scott’s “greatest accomplishment.”  “Nicole was a beautiful daughter inside and out.  She epitomized all a mother could hope for in a daughter, and made a difference in the lives of everyone who came in contact with her,” Ms. Scott said.

However, God in His infinite and sovereign wisdom called Nicole back to His heavenly realm much too soon, leaving her mother and family mystified.  She was not ill and did not fall victim to accident or foul play.  She literally just went to sleep!  Many would say that is the ideal way to transition into eternity, and on some level they are right.  But at 35 with two baby girls depending on her for nurturing, it was a premature nightmare for her husband and her mother.

Nevertheless, Portia decided to turn her grief into positive action by doing something to memorialize her daughter, while simultaneously creating a legacy for her grandchildren.  The Scott Lee Foundation, Inc. (SLF) is the vehicle she chose. Ms. Scott created SLF as a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity with a five-point program.  Primarily SLF serves as an umbrella over the Nicole Lynette Scott Lee Memorial Scholarship Fund, which is designed to provide tuition assistance to under-served college students pursuing degrees and careers in the communications industry.  SLF has also taken up the challenge of assisting the unemployed, under-employed and those entering the workforce with job development training.  Their TRANSITIONS career development program has partnered with Howard Community College’s Continuing Education Department, Montgomery College/Takoma Park, and The University of Maryland’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion in presenting workshops to assist members of the community.  Collectively over 100 people have registered and participated in these training sessions that were facilitated by about 25 local industry leaders, business executives, and entrepreneurs.

SLF plans to launch its TmT, tutoring, mentoring and technology afterschool program, its New Beginnings support group for separated, divorced and widowed women, and its Families of Chosen Angels bereavement support group in the near future.

As is true with all non-profit organizations, financial support is needed to effectively move their program plans forward.  To that end, SLF is gearing up for an event to appeal to businesses and individuals for support.  Their First Annual Friendraising Gala: A Heart for Community Service will be held on Saturday, October 16, 2010 at Martin’s West in Baltimore. So far SLF has attracted the following nationally acclaimed personalities: Edwin V. Avent, President/CEO/Publisher of Heart and Soul Magazine to serve as the event’s Honorary Chair, recording artists Michael and Regina Winans to be the Guest Hosts/Musical Performers, and Meshelle “The Indie Mom of Comedy,” as the featured entertainment for the evening. They have also picked up media sponsorship from WEAA 88.9FM, WKYS 93.9FM, and PRAISE 104.1FM radio stations.

You can help SLF cover the expenses of this undertaking and fund this year’s scholarship awards by making a donation to sponsor the event, purchase ad space in the souvenir journal, provide a silent auction item, or purchase tickets to the gala.  Donations can be made via the SLF website at www.thescottleefoundation.org. Please call 877-726-8533 or email Portia via president@thescottleefoundation.org for more information or if you have specific questions about the organization and its activities.

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Tammy Bowers is the Co-Owner of Rolling Ads of Maryland, a unique branding company offering a networking Concierge Service as well as an Outdoor Mobile Billboard Advertising Vehicle.  She is also a Charter Member with the Village Connector Online Community Newspaper. You can reach via email at Tammy@rollingadsmd.com

We have so many choices when it comes to health-care.  Many of us, including me, want to partner up with someone that cares about their patient and is not always pushing medication.  Many are seeking complementary and alternative treatments for pain relief.

I have been fortunate to have met Bella Fooksman.  She is an amazing graduate from Tai Sophia. She was top of her class several years ago. She is an Acupuncture Practitioner located in Owings Mills, Maryland.   We met at the Women’s Expo that was held in Catonsville this past spring.

Her practice,  Healing Connections, has useful and inspirational information, recommendations for staying healthy with the current season, interesting articles and books, and valuable wellness incentives are provided to her patients.  We all lead hectic, busy lives and need to take time for us, especially if we are having health issues, pain, or facing diseases.  This  acupuncturist is remarkably beneficial. The need to take care of ourselves on every level is more important than ever.  Who benefits when you have ease, clarity, focus, and resilience?  How does life show up differently when you are healthy and have a sense of vibrant well being?

The Healing Connection will be of service to you, and anyone you pass it on to.  From my experience, I highly recommend her.  I have had four treatments for my shoulder pain. I saw an orthopedic surgeon a year ago…and there is always a place for traditional medicine,  but I did not want another cortisone shot.  Those are just way too painful.
Upon arrival at The Healing Connection, immediately when you walk through the door, it is comforting.  She has a thorough conversation with you all about your health issues, documenting everything, and then the work begins.  She is also treating our daughter, Sarah, who has a rare kidney disease of which there is no cure, but Sarah is receiving many benefits that she had never experienced before.  Sarah is in the beginning stages with The Healing Connection, but we believe by her working with Sarah, Bella may be able to help others with this disease or similar diseases.

If you want additional information contact Bella Fooksman, M.Ac, L.Ac. Bella Fooksman Acupuncture, Greenspring Valley Healing Arts Center, 8 Greenspring Valley Road, Suite 100, Owings Mills, MD  21117 – 410-916-2292 – www.bfacupuncture.com